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"Work (as in Thermodynamics) is said to be done by a system if sole effect on the surroundings could be the raising of a weight." So, how is non mechanical work like : Chemical work, Magnetization work or even electric current flow work be reduced to the same?

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  • $\begingroup$ Do you mean a chemical reaction? ie fizz fizz bubble bubble ? What definition do you have for electric current? And, best yet, do permanent magnets loose power over time ? $\endgroup$
    – Solar Mike
    Commented Mar 30, 2019 at 15:13

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Other work is also a flow of energy between system and surroundings (across a boundary). Heat is flow of energy too. Consider these three sayings as analogous:

  • Mechanical work is said to be done BY a system if the sole effect on the surroundings could be the raising of a weight (in the surroundings).

  • Heat flow is said to be EXOTHERMIC if the sole effect on the surroundings could be an increase in the temperature of the surroundings.

  • Other work is said to be done BY a system if the sole effect on the surroundings could be either the raising of a weight (in the surroundings) or an increase in the temperature of the surroundings.

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  • $\begingroup$ thank you so much for your reply. now it is clear to me. $\endgroup$
    – user19926
    Commented Apr 20, 2019 at 18:18

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